Of Runaway Leaders, Endangered Newcomers and Free Dancing Radio Kings

It is now over three months since the first kick of the ball signaling the start of the 2019/2020 Kenya cup season, and after 13 games of crunching tackles, bone shattering hits, tactical battles and an unending show of speed, power and skills, the Kenya cup playoffs are now in sight.

Who stays where, gets what and who needs what with three matches left before the end of the regular season?

Newcomers Kisumu and Western Bulls are strapped at the bottom of the log while KCB and Kabras have pulled clear of the rest of the pack.

Homeboyz remain the centre of discussion after a cracker of a season under Jasen Hector, losing just twice in 13 matches.

Kabras Sugar’s Dan Sikuta in action for the Millers

Runaway Leaders

Kabras and KCB seem unstoppable in their quest for a fifth final meeting, with Kabras keen to finish top to bring the trophy hunt to the forest for the second time in a row.

The champions know it is yet another season to show their endless class as they chase their fourth title in succession. Only one point separates the two, the only twist to last season’s script being the Sugar men have managed to beat the Bankers this season.

Kabras have to travel to the city to face last season’s Enterprise Cup final opponents, Impala, at the Pavillion this weekend, before wrapping their regular season with matches home and away to Nondies and Blak Blad.

They may look like easy fixtures for the Millers compared to what KCB face. Travelling to Nakuru to face Wanyore side who have blown hot and cold this year before hosting a dangerous Oilers side who are aiming at the playoffs in their second top flight season.

A showdown against Homeboyz at the Jamhuri grounds will be the final regular season battle the bankers will have to fight, keeping in mind how the first leg went down.

While Curtis Olago has been rotating his squad for the past few games, seeing over eight changes to the squad in the past five matches which means the mileage in the camp is still low.

On the flip side we have seen the champions loss their fluidity in attack, scoring less than 30 points in the last three matches against Bulls, Harlequins and Strathmore in the Enterprise cup. A more regular squad will be expected as the playoffs come knocking.

Homeboyz have left tongues wagging after producing stellar performances to remain third on the log heading into the sunset days of the regular season.

Bolting out of the blocks with a win over Quins on match day one, the surprise package in yellow now threatens to tramp over any opponent and make any away venue their dancing ground.

One loss so far, no signs of slowing down and an interesting mix of experience and youth in their ranks spells good tidings for the Deejays this season.

A better version of the Deejays promises to lay itself bare in the coming season(s) as they try to forget a horror 2018/2019 season characterised by sit outs by senior players and a change of guard.

The Radio Kings can capitalize on the momentum to upset any opponent in the playoffs. No one can set a limit to how far they can go this season, because they can reach the greatest heights!

Western Bulls players hurdle before a match during the Stanbic Sevens Circuit

Nightmare first season

Kenya cup newcomers Kisumu and Western Bulls are staring at a possible demotion at the end of the regular season, both occupying the two available slots in the danger zone.

Despite Kisumu missing week 13 action after they got involved in an accident enroute to Nairobi where they were to take on Nondies, they have managed a paltry 5 points and one win which came against Nondies at the Mamboleo showground.

The lakeside outfit may not have to wait till the end to know their fate which seems already determined.

Kakamega based Western Bulls have managed wins against Mwamba and Harlequins, core teams in the league but the remain in the danger zone; the remaining games not playing out in their favour either.

A crucial fixture against Harlequins this weekend could possibly determine who gets relegated. Only three points separate 10th placed Harlequins and 11th placed Bulls. A slip could prove fatal for both sides making the clash one of the most pivotal matches that will be played over the weekend.